TRENTON — A Camp Lejeune Marine has been accused of sexual behavior with dogs in Jones County.

Staff Sgt. Marc David Harpel, 30, of Emmett Lane in Maysville, was charged Monday by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office with seven counts each of felony crimes against nature and misdemeanor solicitation for crimes against nature, according to a press release the Jones County Sheriff’s Office issued Tuesday.

On Nov. 15, the Jones County Child Protective Services deputy received information from a concerned citizen accusing Harpel of inappropriate sexual behavior with neighborhood dogs, as well as an accusation of viewing Internet pornography in front of his minor children, according to the release.

On Nov. 20, a military protective order was issued by the Marine Corps, followed by a N.C. Domestic Violence Protective Order on Nov. 21, to protect the spouse and children of the Marine staff sergeant after he made alleged threats. Marine Corps authorities ordered that he be temporarily confined to the base brig at Camp Lejeune as a precautionary measure, according to the release.

The accusations against Harpel were investigated by the sheriff’s office, who found enough evidence to support multiple felony charges of crimes against nature. He is accused of sexually assaulting at least two dogs, sheriff’s office Capt. J.T. Eimer said.

Harpel was turned over to the sheriff’s office Monday and placed in Jones County Jail under a $14,000 secured bond, according to the release.

“The Marine Corps has been cooperating with the authorities as soon as it learned of this incident,” 2nd Marine Division officials said in a statement. “The actions of Staff Sgt. Harpel are contrary to the high standards of personal conduct and performance expected of Marines and will not be tolerated. The overwhelming majority of Marines conduct their duties with honor and compassion that brings credit upon the Marine Corps and the United States.”

Harpel is assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, according to the release.

The Jones County Animal Crimes Unit will be pursuing additional animal cruelty charges against Harpel, and as the investigation is ongoing, additional criminal charges may follow, according to the release.

At this time, Harpel does not appear to own any dogs, Eimer said.

The Jones County Sheriff’s Office is working in conjunction with Camp Lejeune’s Provost Marshal’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, as well as other base authorities.

Amanda Wilcox can be reached at 910-219-8453 or Amanda.Wilcox@jdnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AWilcox21.